Chicken Nutrition Research Articles

Dietary impact of West African black pepper (Piper guineense) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemical profile, and oxidative stress markers of broiler chickens

This study evaluated the dietary impact of West African black pepper (WABP; Piper guineense) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemical profile, and oxidative stress markers of broiler chickens. A total of 200 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to 4 dietary treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, T4) of 5 replicates (10 birds per replicate) in a completely randomised design for a 49-day study. Broiler birds in T1 (control) were fed basal diet (BD), T2 (BD + 5 g turmeric/kg), T3 (BD + 5 g WABP/kg), and T4 (BD + 2.5 g turmeric and 2.5 g WABP/kg). This study found (p < 0.05) that feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly altered during the starter phase, while no significant effect was observed in body weight gain (BWG). BWG, FI, and FCR were not significantly affected (p > 0.05) during the finisher and overall phases. Except for haemoglobin and red blood cell count in the finisher phase, haematological measures were not affected (p > 0.05). During the starter phase, aspartate aminotransferase decreased (p < 0.05) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased (p < 0.05) across the treatment groups fed Piper guineense and Curcuma longa compared with those in the control group. In the finisher phase, all the serum biochemistry parameters, except for the serum protein content were significantly (p < 0.05) impacted. Piper guineense and Curcuma longa significantly (p < 0.05) increased superoxide dismutase and reduced (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde during the starter phase across the treatment groups, with no significant (p > 0.05) effect on catalase and glutathione. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione were significantly (p < 0.05) increased while malondialdehyde significantly decreased (p < 0.05) during the finisher phase when compared to the control group. Conclusively, these findings suggest the potential health benefits of these dietary additives in broiler chicken nutrition to enhance overall health and performance.

Effect of Triticale Grain in Diets on Performance, Development of Gastrointestinal Tract and Microflora in Crop and Ileum of Broiler Chickens.

The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of the use of a diet containing 30% triticale grain. In an experiment lasting 28 days, 180 one-day Ross-308 chickens (sex ratio 1:1) with an average initial body weight in treatment of 44.6 g were randomly assigned to 30 metabolic cages/replications, 6 birds in each. To compare the results between treatments, a one-way ANOVA was used with uneven replication numbers. The control group (I) received a standard diet containing maize and soybean meal. In the other treatments, 30% of different cereals were used: II-wheat, III-barley, and IV-triticale. Significant differences in body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed on the 4th day of the life of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Differences were determined between the control group (90.7 g BW and 1.32 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and birds receiving barley (93.0 g BW and 1.29 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR), compared to chickens fed diets with a 30% share of wheat grain (86.2 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and triticale (86.6 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR). Later, the differences in performance of birds between treatments did not occur (p > 0.05). In the nutrition of broiler chickens, control or 30% of the triticale diet caused a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of the number of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the crop of broiler chickens (0 log cfu/g), compared to birds obtaining feed with 30% of wheat (1.78 log cfu/g). The diet containing triticale also reduced the number of E. coli (p < 0.05) within the ileum (0.78 log cfu/g) compared to chickens obtaining barley grain in the diet (2.12 log cfu/g). As a result of the use of triticale grain (p < 0.05), the total length of the bird intestines (199.64 cm) was compared to 30% of barley grain (209.76 cm). The increase in the length of the large intestine of broiler chickens in treatments was positively correlated (r = 0.613, p < 0.05) with the number of Lactobacillus sp. in the ileum. Triticale increased the pH in the crop of broilers chickens. The research results indicate that triticale, after longer storage, can be used in amounts of 30% of the diet without significant effect on the performance of broiler chickens, with a reduction in E. coli in crop in comparison with wheat and in ileum with barley.

Fermented Products Enriched with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Broiler Chicken Nutrition and Fat Quality of Produced Meat

Broiler chicken meat is the preferred meat among the human population. Broiler meat contains high-quality protein and a low-fat content, alongside a desirable fatty acid profile. A frequent problem in human nutrition is an insufficient PUFA intake in the diet. One possible strategy to increase the dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in humans is to produce, and thereby enrich, broiler chicken meat with sufficient amounts of essential PUFA. A method to increase the proportion of essential fatty acids in chicken meat is by changing the fatty acid composition of the feed. Feed production via solid-state fermentation using lower filamentous fungi can be used to prepare valuable feed from cereal by-products enriched with important PUFA and pigments and can thus be included as a suitable feed ingredient in the diet of chickens. From previously published studies, it can be concluded that the application of 3–10% of the prepared fermented products to the diet of broiler chickens increased the proportion of essential fatty acids in the fat of the chicken meat and had a beneficial effect on the growth parameters of chickens.

Dynamic responses of blood metabolites to nutrient depletion and repletion in broiler chicken nutrition

A total of 720 male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were used in a 5 treatment and 8 replicate experiment to explore dynamic changes in blood metabolites in response to short-term nutrient depletion and repletion. Day old chicks were offered a corn and soybean meal-based common starter diet from d1 to 14 that was formulated to meet all nutrient requirements of the birds. From d15 to 17, the experimental diets were offered, before returning all groups to a common diet from d18 to 20, at which point the experiment was terminated. A total of 5 experimental diets were designed. A standard grower diet served as a control and was offered to 1 of the 5 groups of chicks. The additional 4 experimental groups comprised diets that were low in digestible phosphorus (P), total calcium (Ca), crude protein and digestible amino acids (AA) or apparent metabolizable energy (AME). The common grower diet that was offered from d18-20 was designed to be nutritionally complete and was intended to explore dynamic response to nutrient repletion. Blood was drawn from 8 chicks per treatment at time 0 (immediately prior to introduction of the experimental diets) and then again 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48h after introduction of the nutrient depleted diets. Additionally, blood was drawn 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48h after the introduction of the nutritionally complete common grower diet. Chicks were not sampled more than once. Feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were assessed on d14, 17, and 20. Blood metabolites were analyzed using the iSTAT Alinity V handheld blood analyzer, the Vetscan VS2 Chemistry Analyzer and the iCheck Carotene Photometer. Live performance metrics were not affected by the short-term nutrient depletion and all chicks grew normally throughout the experiment. The diet with low digestible P generated a rapid temporary decrease in plasma P and an increase in plasma Ca, that were returned to baseline following the re-introduction of the common grower feed. Introduction of the diet with low total Ca resulted in a significant increase in plasma P, effects which were also mitigated during the nutrient repletion phase. Total plasma protein, albumin and uric acid (UA) were decreased, and plasma glucose increased, in the chicks that received the diet with low crude protein and digestible AA. There was a delayed increase in aspartate amino transaminase (AST) associated with the diets with low digestible P and low AME. These results demonstrate the capacity of blood biochemistry to adapt to quantitative and qualitative changes in nutrient intake. Point-of-care analysis of blood biomarkers offers nutritionists a valuable opportunity to calibrate nutritional matrices for common dietary ingredients, zootechnical feed additives and to optimize diet phase changes. It can be concluded that many blood biomarkers are plastic to changes in diet nutrient density and offer an objective index for optimization of nutritional programs for commercial broiler production.

Chitosan oligosaccharides as dietary antioxidants in nutrition of broiler chickens

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) have attracted considerable attention in poultry research due to their diverse biological activities and possible effects on the welfare and productivity of broiler chickens. A thorough examination of many studies indicates that the influence of COS on indices such as antioxidative functions, growth performance, immunological responses, and metabolic implications in broilers is significant. For example, specific dosage levels of COS have significantly enhanced antioxidant activity, regulation of cholesterol levels, and improved growth performance. The research findings have provided evidence for COS's antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and its capacity to mitigate the effects caused by stress. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of reactions might be influenced by the dosage and may demonstrate variances. Broiler chickens are suggested to consume dietary COS levels between 350 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg feed to obtain antioxidant and immunological advantages. Nevertheless, the most favorable results regarding growth and the ability to absorb nutrients are typically found when the intake ranges from 0.5 g/kg to 1.0 g/kg feed. For yellow-feather broilers experiencing heat stress, it is advisable to administer a dosage of 200 mg/kg feed of COS. However, it is essential to closely observe dosages exceeding 2.5 g/kg since they may significantly impair growth performance. The diverse research on using COS in broiler management has provided valuable insights into its intricate nature. This review has highlighted the potential benefits of COS in enhancing chicken health and nutrition. However, it has also underscored the need for additional research to optimize its effectiveness in broiler production fully. It can be concluded that dietary COS in broiler chickens in doses ranging from 200 mg to 1000 mg/kg feed has a positive effect on growth performance, antioxidative properties, regulation of lipid metabolism, ability to mitigate stress, impact on meat quality, and carcass traits, but exceeding 2.5 g/kg feed may significantly impair in growth performance in the broiler.

Influence of feed supplementation with probiotic and organic form of zinc on functional status of broiler chickens

Background: The increase in the intensity of agricultural production is associated with the action of various stress factors on the organism of birds, which can lead to negative consequences. Prevention of the development of stress conditions in farm birds, particularly broiler chickens, in industrial production is the most important task facing scientists and practitioners. Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined probiotic preparation and zinc glycinate on the indicators of the immunity, biochemical parameters and antioxidant status. Methods: The study was conducted on broilers of Arbor Acres cross: the birds in the negative control group received a balanced feed mixture, a mineral and vitamin premix without zinc; the positive control group treated with an injection of cyclophosphamide and received the balanced feed with the mineral and vitamin premix without zinc; in experimental group I, broilers was treated with the injection of cyclophosphamide and received balanced feed, probiotic and zinc glycinate; in experimental group II, broilers received balanced feed, probiotic and zinc glycinate. At the end of the experiment, some blood from the wing vein was collected for evaluation of hematological and biochemical blood parameters using automatic morphological and biochemical analyzers, evaluation of immune status by enzyme immunoassay and antioxidant status by colorimetric method. Results: It was found that the developed strategy nutrition leveled the effects of immunosuppression - there was an increase in the level of lymphocytes, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10; level of cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and total protein tended to the control values; there was a significant increase in serum interleukin-2 and interferon gamma; increase in total protein on the background of triglycerides decrease in broilers of experimental group II. An increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase against the background of a decrease in the level of malonic dialdehyde was revealed in the experimental groups. Conclusion: The developed strategy of broiler chicken nutrition can be used for successful protection of birds from immunodeficiency states, improvement of antioxidant status and maintenance of complete protein and lipid metabolism.

Lucerne meal in the diet of indigenous chickens: a review

Indigenous chicken production consists of an array of activities important to smallholder poultry farmers in Africa. One of the many factors influencing their production and threating the local food security is in the area of nutrition, particularly, that related to protein supplementation. The available feed resources to farmers are not enough to sustain the productivity of the chickens. Hence, the chickens’ diets often require nutritional supplementation. There is therefore an urgent need for the validation of locally grown feed ingredients to improve the sustainability of poultry production in sub-Saharan Africa. A dietary ingredient that may be used in the diets of chickens is lucerne (Medicago sativa), which is also known as alfalfa. In South Africa, lucerne is the most cultivated forage legume and approximately 1.3 million metric tonnes of lucerne are produced per year. Lucerne has high nutritional value, as it is a source of protein, amino acids, vitamins, and fatty acids. The potential of lucerne as a feed resource for indigenous chickens should, therefore, be investigated so that strategies to improve the nutrition of such chickens can be developed. The purpose of this review was to highlight lucerne as a potential dietary ingredient for indigenous chickens and discuss its effects on the productivity of broilers, egg-layers, and dual-purpose chickens.

Efficacy of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus on nutrition and health of broiler chickens

This investigation examined the effects of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus supplementation on the gastrointestinal microbiota of broiler chickens, analysing zootechnical, allometric, microbiological parameters and small intestine morphology. A total of 300 broiler chickens with an average initial weight of 47 g were distributed in four treatments in a completely randomised design. Treatments consisted of different zinc lactate and probiotic amounts added to the base diet. Chickens receiving the basal diet with organic zinc and L. bulgaricus showed a healthy response, remaining free of infectious agents for the 42-day study period. Treatment T1, with 30 mg of zinc lactate and 10 mg of probiotics per kg, showed improvements in weight gain, feed conversion, allometry, and intestinal health, as well as a healthy presence of gastrointestinal microbiota. Thus, the incorporation of zinc lactate (organic Zn) and probiotics based on L. bulgaricus into the basal diet of broiler chickens is an effective strategy to improve sanitary conditions and organic production of these species. Highlights: From: Efficacy of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus on nutrition and health of broiler chickens. Innovative Supplementation Strategy: This study presents an innovative approach by combining zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus in broiler chickens' diet, showcasing a novel method to enhance poultry health and organic production. Comprehensive Analysis of Gut Microbiota: The research provides a detailed analysis of the gastrointestinal microbiota, demonstrating how zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus supplementation positively alters the gut environment in broiler chickens. Significant Improvements in Zootechnical Parameters: The study highlights notable improvements in zootechnical parameters, including weight gain and feed conversion ratios, underlining the efficacy of the supplementation strategy. Enhanced Intestinal Morphology: Examination of the small intestine morphology revealed significant health benefits, attributing these improvements to the synergistic effect of organic zinc and probiotic supplementation. Pathogen-Free Development over 42 Days: A key finding is the maintenance of a healthy, pathogen-free state in chickens throughout the 42-day study period, emphasizing the potential of this supplementation in promoting disease resistance in poultry farming.

Use of Distiller´s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) from corn or wheat in broiler diets

The production of grain-based bioethanol is increasing due to the rising demand for biofuels and the global decline in fossil fuel sources. Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from corn or wheat are the main by-product of bioethanol fermentation, primarily through dry milling technology, and have been used as low-cost animal feed. With the increase in ethanol production from grains, the production of DDGS from corn or wheat also increases. Several studies have found that DDGS has high nutritional value but variable composition, and researchers have found ways to enhance its quality and safety. Various approaches have been proposed to improve the digestibility and nutritional value of DDGS. However, despite its high nutritional value, DDGS has not yet been fully studied and is less utilized in broiler feeding. The benefits and risks associated with the use of DDGS have been studied for a long time, but more research is needed to establish quality and safety standards for DDGS. This review aims to highlight the challenges of using DDGS in broiler chicken nutrition.

The Use of Biologically Converted Agricultural Byproducts in Chicken Nutrition

This article aims to uncover the current knowledge on using bioconverted agricultural byproducts in the chicken diet and the impact of these byproducts on performance, product quality, and health status. Agricultural and agro-industrial activities generate thousands of tons of byproducts. Converting these agricultural byproducts into valuable entities would be an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and viable part of byproduct management. Upon recycling to make new products, the process contributes to socio-economic value and maintaining environmental health and paves the way for realizing energy security and a circular economy. The current paper identifies that solid-state fermentation has attracted more research attention than other fermentation counterparts because it requires minimal moisture, good oxygen availability, cheap media, low wastewater generation, low cost, a low processing scheme, low energy demand, and high productivity. This paper illustrates the role of proteolytic and lignin-degrading enzymes present in bacteria and fungi in the bioconversion process of complex polymers into smaller molecules of amino acids and simple sugar with a profound improvement in the palatability and bioavailability of agricultural products. In addition, the paper gives more detailed insights into using bioconverted agricultural products in chickens to improve performance, product quality, gut microbiota and morphology, and chicken welfare. In conclusion, the bioconversion of agricultural byproducts is an encouraging endeavor that should be supported by governments, research centers, universities, and non-governmental entities to improve the productivity of animal source foods by ensuring environmental sustainability and expanding food security efforts for national development.

Traditional and Non-Traditional Feeds in Poultry Feeding: A review

Quite a few nations have a thriving poultry feed sector. This essay focuses on Feed, which is regarded as the most expensive component of poultry production. Feed processing also raises the price of feed, in addition to the cost of ingredients. The population of the world is projected to rise to 9.1 billion people by the year 2050. Meat and egg consumption from chicken is rising worldwide, primarily in developing nations. As a result, there would be a rise in the demand for poultry feeds worldwide. Due to their significance in improving the general health of birds, additives in poultry feeding are nowadays a need in any product of factories making feedings. Nowadays, especially in emerging nations, the supply of feeds for chicken nutrition is becoming increasingly competitive. The use of alternative feedstuffs to replace soybean and yellow corn in poultry diets and the alternative feedstuffs that can be used in poultry feeds are both being pursued. Additionally, the availability of nutritional content and methods for enhancing the nutritive quality of such nontraditional feedstuffs.

Assessment of the Chemical Composition and Nutritional Quality of Breast Muscle from Broiler Chickens Receiving Various Levels of Fe Glycine Chelate

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Fe glycine chelate supplementation on the chemical composition and nutritional quality of breast meat from broiler chicken. The following parameters were assessed: fat content, cholesterol content, fatty acid profile, atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (H/H) fatty acid ratio. The 42-day experiment involved 200 broiler chickens assigned into four dietary groups: the control receiving Fe sulfate in the dose of 40 mg/kg of feed and three experimental groups of chickens supplemented with 40 mg (Fe-Gly40), 20 mg (Fe-Gly20), or 10 mg (Fe-Gly10) of Fe glycine chelate per 1 kg of diet. The results showed no negative effect of the application of Fe glycine chelate on the chemical composition and nutritional quality of breast muscle. Therefore, the advisability of the application of Fe glycine chelates in the nutrition of broiler chickens should be revised.

Effect of the Nettle Essential Oil (Urtica dioica L.) on the Performance and Carcass Quality Traits in Broiler Chickens

As a result of the worldwide ban on antibiotic growth promotants in food animals, essential oils have gained considerable importance. Animal meat and carcass quality traits have also been reported to be influenced by essential oils. This study investigated the effects of common nettle essential oil (Urtica dioica L.) in broiler chicken nutrition on performance and carcass quality characteristics. For this experiment which has lasted a 42-days, a total of 648 one-day-old broilers hybrid Cobb 500 was used. A total of 12 replicates were used per dietary treatment, leading to a total of 18 broilers per replicate. The three dietary treatments comprised a control diet (C), a control diet + 0.5% of nettle essential oil (EO1), and a control diet + 1.0% of nettle essential oil (EO2). Despite the carcass and breast yields being higher in the essential oil treatments (EO1 and EO2) compared to the control treatment (C), the thigh yields were unaffected by diet (P&gt;0.05). Shank yield was higher in the EO1 and EO2 treatments as compared with the control (P&lt;0.05) treatment. The weight of the viscera decreased (P&lt;0.05) in the dietary treatments with the addition of essential oils. The EO2 treatment had a lower meat pH compared to the other two treatments. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the EO2 treatment was equally effective as the EO1, regarding the carcass traits, and therefore can serve as an alternative to the banned antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens.

Black pepper (Piper nigrum Lam) as a natural feed additive and source of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals in chicken nutrition

Abstract Tropical countries are rich in medicinal herbs that have the potentials to improve poultry productivity and health by increasing digestive enzyme activity, immune responses, and modulation of gut microbiota composition through the action of their bioactive constituents. Presently, black pepper (BP), one of such tropical herbs is gaining popularity as a substitute for antibiotics in poultry production, which have been found to promote the development of anti-resistant strains of bacteria and incorporation of drug residues in animal products. BP belongs to the genus - Piper, species – nigrum, and family - Piperaceae. The leaves, fruits, and seeds of BP are moderate in essential nutrients such as minerals and vitamins, but low in anti-nutritional factors. It is also high in important bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These bioactive compounds play important roles in regulating the normal physiological functions of animals such as growth, egg production, and immune responses. Therefore, the aim of this review is to pool evidence on the chemical composition of BP that acts as feed additives and their mode of action in enhancing performance and product quality, as well as the reasons for the inconsistent results among authors on the feed additive value of BP in chicken nutrition.

Dietary Dialium guineense stem-bark supplementation improves growth performance and haemato-biochemical characteristics of broiler chickens

Poultry farmers, particularly in developing countries, are concerned about the rising cost of conventional feed additives such as antibiotics. This has sparked a lot of interest in the search for phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) that can be used as alternative to antibiotic growth promoter in chicken diets. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of Dialium guineensestem-bark (DGSB) one of such PFAs, and its effect of its supplementation on the performance of Ross 308 broiler chickens. Fresh D. guineense stem barks were manually harvested, dried on shade and thereafter milled into DGSB powder. The DGSB was chemically analysed and standard broiler chicken diets were supplemented with DGSB at 0 (T1), 0.5 (T2), 1.0 (T3) and 1.5 (T4) g kg−1 feed. 200 day-old chicks were raised on starter mash from days 1–21 and finisher mash from days 22–47. Results suggested that DGSB is relatively high in fibre, ash and important phytochemicals. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) responded to incremental levels of DGSB linearly. Maximum ADFI was achieved at 1.5 g DGSB/kg feed. Birds in group T2 recorded the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.90, while those in group T4 had the highest FCR of 2.68. Broiler chickens on 0.5 g/kg feed attained higher (P < 0.05) final live weight (FLW) and average daily gain (ADG). Results indicated that dietary DGSB supplementation influenced aspects of the blood traits of Ross 308 broiler chickens. Results also show that DGSB had a quadratic effect on FLW, ADG, aspects of red blood cell indices, platelets, white blood cells, lymphocytes, glucose, cholesterol, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in broiler chickens. In conclusion, DGSB is high in fibre, ash and some beneficial phytochemicals and may be incorporated to broiler chicken nutrition at a supplementation level not beyond 0.5 g/kg feed for best growth performance and blood characteristics.

Nutrition and Flavor Evaluation of Amino Acids in Guangyuan Grey Chicken of Different Ages, Genders and Meat Cuts

The composition and content of amino acids in foodstuffs have a vital impact on the nutritional value and taste. With the aim of understanding the nutrition and flavor of Guangyuan grey chicken, the composition and content of amino acids in the pectoralis and thigh muscle of chickens at the age of 90 d, 120 d and 150 d were determine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and an amino acid analyzer. A total of 17 amino acids were detected both in pectoralis and thigh muscle via the amino acid analyzer, of which the content of glutamate was the highest. Additionally, 21 deproteinized free amino acids were detected via LC-MS/MS. Among all samples, the content of glutamine in thigh muscle was the highest. The content of histidine in the pectoralis was the highest. In terms of the flavor amino acids (FAAs), the umami-taste and sweet-taste amino acids were higher in the thigh muscle of 120 d male chicken. From the perspective of protein nutrition, the essential amino acid was higher in pectoral muscle, and the composition was better. The results of the amino acid score showed that the content of leucine and valine were inadequate in Guangyuan grey chicken. Collectively, the content of amino acid in Guangyuan grey chicken was affected by age, gender and meat cut. This study confirms that meat of chicken in different ages, genders, and cuts presents different nutritional values and flavors owing to the variation of amino acids content.

The Effect of Exogenous Amylase Supplementation on the Nutritional Value of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) for Broiler Chickens

The present study aimed to investigate whether the exogenous addition of amylase enhances the nutritional value of pea seeds for broiler chickens. In total, 84 1-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were used for the experimental study. During the first phase of the experiment (1-16 d), all birds in each treatment were fed with a corn-soybean meal reference diet. After this time, the first treatment (control) was still fed the reference diet. In the second and third treatment, 50% of the reference diet was replaced with 50% pea seeds. In addition, the third treatment was supplemented with exogenous amylase. Animal excreta were collected on 21 d and 22 d of the experiment. The birds were sacrificed at the end of the experiment (23 d), and samples of ileum content were collected. The experimental results showed that the exogenous addition of amylase significantly improved (p < 0.05) the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of the crude protein (CP), starch, and dry matter (DM) of pea. In addition, an improvement in the AID of essential amino acids in pea seeds (except Phe) was observed. The trend in the AMEN values was also noted (p = 0.076). It can be concluded that supplementation with exogenous amylase improves the nutritional value of pea seeds in broiler chicken nutrition.

The effect of reduction of resistant starch content of faba bean and pea by amylase supplementation on performance, nutrient digestibility, and sialic acid excretion of broiler chickens

The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of the protein source and amylase addition and the interaction between these two on growth performance and nutrient utilization in particular starch digestibility and AMEN value in broiler chickens. A total of 960 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were utilized in this study. The chickens were randomly classified into four experimental groups, with each group having 30 replications, with eight birds per replication. The groups differed from each other with respect to the source of crude protein in diets (pea or faba bean seeds) and the addition of exogenous amylase (not added or added). The chickens had unlimited access to feed and fresh water and were kept under stable environmental conditions. The body weight and feed intake of the chickens were measured on the 14th and 35th days, with the aim of determining growth performance parameters. At the end of the study, the chickens were sacrificed and samples (excreta and digesta) were collected to estimate the nutritional value. The results showed no interaction (P > 0.05) between the protein source and enzyme addition in any of the analyzed growth performance and nutritional value parameters. The addition of amylase resulted in a higher body weight gain (0–35 days) and feed conversion ratio (each period). Moreover, significantly higher (P < 0.05) dry matter, starch, and amino acid digestibility were observed. Amylase addition resulted in lower excretion of total sialic acids (P < 0.05). The faba bean diet improved the growth performance and had greater nutritional value. In conclusion, amylase addition improved the growth performance and starch and amino acid digestibility. Therefore, it seems that the use of exogenous amylase is effective regardless of the source of protein in broiler chicken nutrition.

Thiobarbituric Reactive Substance (TBARS) and sensory evaluation of breast chicken meat from broiler fed with Kappaphycus alvarezii and Sargassum polycystum seaweeds formulated feed

Taste and health are significant quality considerations for both producers and consumers. Chicken provides an essential protein source for humans, in addition to other livestock supplies, and its intake can be altered to achieve a more usable food through the manipulation of broiler chicken diets. According to studies, changing feed formulations can impact sensory features as well as meat quality in broiler chickens, as indicated by lipid peroxidation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of different seaweed inclusion in the nutrition of broiler chickens on the TBARS in meat and to evaluate the sensory quality of chicken breast. The experiment was performed with 480- day-old Cobb 500 chickens housed in battery cages, divided into 8 treatments, with 6 replications per treatment. Water and feed were accessible ad libitum. The chickens were fed with a negative control diet (T1), Sargassum polycystum (SP) 2% diet (T2), 5% SP (T3), 10% SP (T4), 2% Kappaphycus alvarezii (KA) (T5), 5% KA (T6), 10% KA (T7) and commercial binder (T8). Analysis of TBARS was executed by evaluating malonaldehyde (MDA) compound produced from the lipid oxidation in samples. The sensory evaluation was conducted using 40 untrained panellists at the Universiti Malaysia Pahang. The panellists evaluated the steamed breast chicken meat for colour, odour, taste and overall acceptance using a 5-point hedonic scale where the extremes of each trait were scale 1 (the worst) and 5 (the best). The results of all sensory attributes on breast meat were not significantly different among treatments (P&gt;0.05). Meat from broiler chicken fed with 5% K. alvarezii diets was considered to be the most appropriate. For TBARS analysis, there was no substantial difference between the control diet and K. alvarezii 5% diet (P&gt;0.05) where both showed the highest oxidation rate in the meat while the meat sample of S. polycystum 2% showed the lowest oxidation value (P&lt;0.05). The results of this study indicated that the addition of seaweed to broiler chicken diets did not affect sensory acceptance of the meat and S. polycystum 2% had improved inhibition of lipid oxidation in meat.

Growth Performance, Blood Serum Vitamins and Minerals of Broiler Chickens on Supplemental Moringa Leaf (Moringa oleifera) and Pumpkin Leaf (Telferia occidentalis) Extracts

Extracts of fresh leaves of Moringa leaf (Moringa oleifera) and Pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis) were administered to broiler chickens in a study that lasted for 8 weeks to evaluate the growth performance, blood serum vitamins and minerals of the birds. A total of 210 day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into various pens which consisted of 7 different groups (treatments) with each one having 30 birds. Treatment 1 birds served as the control and were offered commercial synthetic multi-vitamins (vitalyte) in their drinking water. Treatment 2 birds had 50ml moringa leaf extract (MLE) per liter of water while Treatments 3 was 50ml pumpkin leaf extract (PLE) per liter of water. Treatment 4 was 100ml MLE and 5, 100ml PLE. Treatment 6 birds had a mixture or a combination of MLE and PLE (50ml MLE+50ml PLE), while treatment 7 was also a mixture of MLE and PLE (100ml MLE+100ml PLE). Commercial broiler starter and finisher feeds were offered throughout the duration of the experiment. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and water intake. On the last day, blood samples were collected for serum vitamins and minerals analysis. The results showed that the extracts significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected all the parameters assessed. Growth parameters per chicken; final live weight gain (3044.65g), daily feed intake (97.06g) and feed conversion ratio (1.84) were best in chickens given 100ml/L MLE while other leaf extracts treated birds compared favorably with the vitalyte chickens. Chickens offered moringa and pumpkin leaves extracts had higher concentrations of the assayed vitamins and minerals; vitamins A, C, D and E; potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron except for sodium. It was therefore concluded that extracts of M. oleifera and pumpkin leaves could serve as organic substitutes to the synthetic commercial multivitamins (vitalyte) in broiler chicken nutrition. Also the residual effects of the use of synthetic vitamins will be reduced.